More Apple iTunes Advertising

[MacRumors]

Apple is quietly expanding its iTunes Advertising campaigns on Television, Internet and Radio.

Apple's iTunes internet ads previously targetted at PC file traders (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2003/10/20031021180832.shtml) have made their way to a number of other sites including Yahoo and ESPN.

Meanwhile, Apple's recent iPod TV Ad (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2003/10/20031009004039.shtml) has also been modified to promote iTunes. At the end of the colorful advertisements, the words "iPod + iTunes" and "Now for Windows" now appear.

Finally, Apple has also started radio advertising with reports of host-read advertisements for both iTunes and the iPod on various radio stations, including the Howard Stern show.

As previously reported, reliable sources (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2003/10/20031010124133.shtml) have indicated that new print and television ads for the iTunes Music Store will appear around the holidays, and are currently being developed.

[Sonofhaig]

I heard the ad this morning read by Howard.... I'm very happy to see Apple taking this approach. Smart!

[Wes]

On the way to school today, in LONDON I saw an iPod ad! I was amazed!

[scooterqcd]

In the Spring St. station on the #6 line, there are several of the colorful iPod ads along the walls. These are giant plastic ads stuck to the walls so that they look like they have been painted on. The station is just a few blocks from the Apple Store in SoHo.

[Flowbee]

Let's just hope they don't over-do it here. Getting the word out is one thing, but over-saturating the marketplace with ads could create an unintended, negative backlash (and damage into the'cool' factor of the iPod).

[AmigoMac]

I haven't seen the first ad in Germany and really would like to.

Ich Liebe Apple :D

P.S The only thing I've seen is small TV scenes where someone works with a mac. :(

[wilco]

The current campaign is a joke. They tack on a "iTunes" title onto the ass end of an existing iPod ad, and expect it to have any resonance with consumers?

Show the ****ing interface/features already!

[synthetickittie]

blue line - government center... tons of ads all in a row on the wall. There are always TONS of people wating for a train, standing lookin in the directions of that wall. When I saw those ads I knew it was a perfect spot for them, if you want a lot of people to see them of course :D .
This in boston btw.

[Freg3000]

I saw the modified Rock and Roll/Hip Hop iPod ads 3 times last night on MTV within a span of about 1 hour.

[Vector]

they changed the commercial a little while ago. http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=43244&highlight=itunes+commercial The new version of the commercials say "Download your favorite songs with iTunes" "Now for Windows" "Free at iTunes.com".

[sethypoo]

This is great! People do read what ads say, you know. However, seeing the features of iTunes would be cool.

:) :rolleyes: :D

[youngr40]

Hello All

I have even seen iTunes / iPod ads on the www.yahoo.co.uk

Which is a first....

[JohnGillilan]

There is a colorful iPod ad on almost every corner in the vicinity of USC in Los Angeles. There is definitely one at every bus stop -- they are everywhere.

[wordmunger]

Originally posted by wilco
The current campaign is a joke. They tack on a "iTunes" title onto the ass end of an existing iPod ad, and expect it to have any resonance with consumers?

Show the ****ing interface/features already!

I disagree. The ad campaign is meant to build excitement.

Features? Interface? Yawn. People who care about that stuff will go to itunes.com and download it. The ads are to show that iPod is cool, and that you can get music for it online. That's all they need to do.

[Wonder Boy]

Originally posted by Macrumors
Apple is quietly expanding its iTunes Advertising campaigns on Television, Internet and Radio.

see, this is what bothers me about apple's advertising methods. they need to make a big deal out of things. doing things quietly just doesnt do it for me. take the windows office commercials. the one were the guy is sitting at his desk and he gets water dumped on him is hilarious. it makes me laugh, not wonder "what the hell was that" like after watching the ipod ads. if i wasnt already a mac user, i wouldnt be intrigued enough to go to the site and check out the ipod. to me, too much mystery equals to much effort. i like things straight forward. tell me about the product, make me smile, and stop making me go on a scavenger hunt just to learn more about a product.

[mymemory]

Originally posted by Macrumors

Finally, Apple has also started radio advertising with reports of host-read advertisements for both iTunes and the iPod on various radio stations, including the Howard Stern show.

Yes, and guess who is paying for that too.... us!

[Frisco]

The iPod and ITMS are the rebirth of Apple Computer.
Mark my words!

[DarkPhoenixCA]

Notably, Howard Stern is doing LIVE ads for the iPod, as well as plugging it ad lib during his show. It seems Apple has given him a number of iPods to give away too...he seems to be giving several 40Gb models a day.

[MacDuff]

This is all good news. There are ads everywhere here in San Francisco as well. Our entire subway stations were fully saturated.

Apple's technique is a strong one, NOT a weak or confusing one. People who are their target market are people who know enough about music and computers that they can recognize what "iPod" and "iTunes" means. Therefore, simplicity and to-the-point is their angle and it's an effective one. Apple also doesn't usually take the "make-you-laugh" approach and I don't see them doing that any time soon. PC users admire the mac whether they admit it or not. Now having iTunes will just make their admiration more obvious.

[sethypoo]

Originally posted by Frisco
The iPod and ITMS are the rebirth of Apple Computer.
Mark my words!

Rebirth? When did they die?:rolleyes:

[Wonder Boy]

Originally posted by MacDuff

Apple's technique is a strong one, NOT a weak or confusing one. People who are their target market are people who know enough about music and computers that they can recognize what "iPod" and "iTunes" means.

lets be real for a second. the vast majority of computer users are not really in touch with what is cool or hip. most just use what there company gives them or what there parents buy. i think apple should be going after the people who are on the brink of choosing a system rather than those who know better. apple already has a solid market of people who know better. thats what makes us mac users. its the dolts out there that think windows is the wave of the future they should be takin aim at.

[Frisco]

Originally posted by sethypoo
Rebirth? When did they die?:rolleyes:

They were almost dead right before the original iMac.

The iMac revived them, but the iPod is something different all together.

[chickengrease16]

by the way, they already have an itunes music store television commercial out. its just like the ipod one, but it says something to the extent of "Purchase Music Downloads" or something. i saw it about a week ago or so. and it says iTunes Music Store.

[sethypoo]

Originally posted by Frisco
They were almost dead right before the original iMac.

The iMac revived them, but the iPod is something different all together.

I see, I knew about the iMac reviving them, but I was under the impression that they were doing pretty darn good at the moment. I think what you meant was that the iPod and iTunes will give them an even bigger boost? In that case, you're absolutely right.:p

[ITR 81]

All I want to know is what their Superbowl commerical is going to be like. Remember back in 1984 Superbowl commerical...it's still one of the greatest commerials that ever aired. I hope for a repeat that blows everyone away.

[MacDuff]

Originally posted by Wonder Boy
lets be real for a second. the vast majority of computer users are not really in touch with what is cool or hip. most just use what there company gives them or what there parents buy. i think apple should be going after the people who are on the brink of choosing a system rather than those who know better. apple already has a solid market of people who know better. thats what makes us mac users. its the dolts out there that think windows is the wave of the future they should be takin aim at.


So what are you saying specifically Apple should do? Are you saying that Apple shouldn't simplify their messages? Or do you think they need to change their target audience completely? I agree that many Windows users are users by "default". In part, if Apple were to target to that group of 'in-betweeners' like you say, than they should let them know that their most-used applications. I.e. Word, Powerpoint, and unfortunately other Microsoft monopolies. It's a fact that many many windows users don't even believe that you can use those apps on a mac, let alone have complete file compatability. If we're talking about specifically letting people know that Macs aren't just for "designy people", than that's where they should head.

[Frisco]

Originally posted by sethypoo
I see, I knew about the iMac reviving them, but I was under the impression that they were doing pretty darn good at the moment. I think what you meant was that the iPod and iTunes will give them an even bigger boost? In that case, you're absolutely right.:p

Yep that's what I meant. Rebirth wasn't the best word. Sorry.

[lyonsden]

Originally posted by ITR 81
All I want to know is what their Superbowl commerical is going to be like. Remember back in 1984 Superbowl commerical...it's still one of the greatest commerials that ever aired. I hope for a repeat that blows everyone away.

Why not use that same commercial, but put some iPod earbuds on the runner? The RIAA makes a great stand-in for 'big brother'.

[Wonder Boy]

Originally posted by MacDuff
So what are you saying specifically Apple should do? Are you saying that Apple shouldn't simplify their messages? Or do you think they need to change their target audience completely? I agree that many Windows users are users by "default". In part, if Apple were to target to that group of 'in-betweeners' like you say, than they should let them know that their most-used applications. I.e. Word, Powerpoint, and unfortunately other Microsoft monopolies. It's a fact that many many windows users don't even believe that you can use those apps on a mac, let alone have complete file compatability. If we're talking about specifically letting people know that Macs aren't just for "designy people", than that's where they should head.

i want apple to make me laugh. intrigue me without simplicity. i know apple was built on simplicity, but cmon. show me how the products work. tell me what i can do with them, dont just tell me they exist. what does simple mean? to me, it means plain, boring. it takes more than flashy colors and shadows doing to jidder bug to make me care. the ipod ads are over simplified. talk about the hard drive capabilty, the calender, the games, the contacts. its so much more. hell show a 8 second clip of the interface, maybe someone scrolling through the UI. i know the ipod exists, now SELL it to me.

[MacDuff]

Originally posted by Wonder Boy
i want apple to make me laugh. intrigue me without simplicity. i know apple was built on simplicity, but cmon. show me how the products work. tell me what i can do with them, dont just tell me they exist. what does simple mean? to me, it means plain, boring. it takes more than flashy colors and shadows doing to jidder bug to make me care. the ipod ads are over simplified. talk about the hard drive capabilty, the calender, the games, the contacts. its so much more. hell show a 8 second clip of the interface, maybe someone scrolling through the UI. i know the ipod exists, now SELL it to me.
Originally posted by Wonder Boy
i want apple to make me laugh. intrigue me without simplicity. i know apple was built on simplicity, but cmon. show me how the products work. tell me what i can do with them, dont just tell me they exist. what does simple mean? to me, it means plain, boring. it takes more than flashy colors and shadows doing to jidder bug to make me care. the ipod ads are over simplified. talk about the hard drive capabilty, the calender, the games, the contacts. its so much more. hell show a 8 second clip of the interface, maybe someone scrolling through the UI. i know the ipod exists, now SELL it to me.

Hmm, I just don't know if I'm convinced. I partially am, but because of my education in Bauhaus design and "less is more" knowledge, it would be hard for me to budge on this. I do agree that Apple needs to reveal how great their interfaces and applications are. A quick OS X presentation alone would look great on a commercial. But if you bog down consumers with every possible detail, it will cause an overload, , and it won't register. Simplicity still is the reigning philosophy in design and advertising. Apple is an extreme case I know, and granted they would do a slick job of presenting more information. But don't ever say that simple means plain. That's just not correct and any professional will tell you that.

[Phil Of Mac]

Originally posted by sethypoo
Rebirth? When did they die?:rolleyes:

1997.

And I'm all for any Apple commercials with Omar.

[Wonder Boy]

Originally posted by MacDuff
Hmm, I just don't know if I'm convinced. I partially am, but because of my education in Bauhaus design and "less is more" knowledge, it would be hard for me to budge on this. I do agree that Apple needs to reveal how great their interfaces and applications are. A quick OS X presentation alone would look great on a commercial. But if you bog down consumers with every possible detail, it will cause an overload, , and it won't register. Simplicity still is the reigning philosophy in design and advertising. Apple is an extreme case I know, and granted they would do a slick job of presenting more information. But don't ever say that simple means plain. That's just not correct and any professional will tell you that.

ok "simple is plain" may be a little off. i concede that. never the less, i think apple should show more in the ads. interface and the such. like you said, if anyone could show the ui in slick manner, its apple.

[brhmac]

Apple is quietly expanding its iTunes Advertising campaigns on Television, Internet and Radio.

How can a company "quietly" expand an advertising campaign? ;)

[MacDuff]

Originally posted by Wonder Boy
ok "simple is plain" may be a little off. i concede that. never the less, i think apple should show more in the ads. interface and the such. like you said, if anyone could show the ui in slick manner, its apple.

Wonderboy, True that indeed. By the way, your Homer quote is from one of my favorite Simprons episodes. Sam Neil as the Catburgler rocked.

[Wonder Boy]

Originally posted by MacDuff
Wonderboy, True that indeed. By the way, your Homer quote is from one of my favorite Simprons episodes. Sam Neil as the Catburgler rocked.

I love the Simpsons, but that episode, man, what can i say. i laugh harder at that episode every time i see it. it never gets old.

Lisa- So grampa, how are you so sure he's the cat burgler?

Grampa- Well, first i noticed he was wearing sneakers...for sneaking!

in text form its ok, but the way he delivers it in the show, with the pointing, its so good!

[Sol]

Originally posted by Sonofhaig
I heard the ad this morning read by Howard.... I'm very happy to see Apple taking this approach. Smart!

Do you know where I can get a stream of the Howard Stern show? I could not find it in the bookmarked radio stations that iTunes offers.